A bad golf course is often referred to as a “goat track.” This term is used to describe a poorly maintained and rough golf course. It’s like playing golf in a field full of weeds and unkempt grass. The fairways may be uneven, the greens may be patchy, and the overall conditions may be less than ideal.
When you step onto a goat track, you know you’re in for a challenging round of golf. The rough may be thick and difficult to navigate, making it harder to find your ball if you veer off the fairway. The bunkers may be poorly maintained, filled with rocks or lacking enough sand to provide a fair challenge. The tee boxes may be worn out, with divots and uneven ground making it difficult to get a good stance.
Playing on a goat track can be frustrating, as you may not get the true experience of playing golf. The course conditions can greatly affect your game and make it harder to achieve your best performance. However, some golfers actually enjoy the challenge of playing on a goat track, as it tests their skills and ability to adapt to different conditions.
In addition to the rough conditions, another aspect of golf that can vary on a bad golf course is the etiquette and sportsmanship among players. One such example is the concept of “good-good.” When two golfers are on the green and agree to give each other gimmes, meaning if one golfer’s putt is deemed “good,” the other golfer’s putt is also considered “good” without actually being holed out. This is a way to speed up play and avoid unnecessary strokes, but on a bad golf course, this practice may be more common due to the challenging greens.
Furthermore, some golfers may resort to using a “hand wedge” when playing on a bad golf course. This is a cheating tactic where a golfer picks up their ball and tosses it into a better spot, essentially using their hand as a makeshift club. It’s a way to improve their lie and potentially gain an unfair advantage. However, it goes against the spirit of the game and is frowned upon by most golfers.
A bad golf course can be referred to as a “goat track” due to its poor maintenance and rough conditions. Playing on such a course can be challenging and frustrating, but also presents an opportunity to test one’s skills and adaptability. However, it’s important to maintain proper golf etiquette and avoid cheating tactics like using a hand wedge.